10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

Hiring the right contractor is crucial for your project's success. These questions will help you separate the professionals from the amateurs.

1. 1

   Are you licensed and insured?

   Always verify the contractor's license number and ask for proof of both liability insurance and workers' compensation. This protects you from liability if something goes wrong.

2. 2

   Will you provide written estimates?

   Get detailed, itemized estimates in writing. Be wary of vague quotes or contractors who quote only verbally.

3. 3

   Who will be supervising my project?

   Will the owner personally oversee your project, or will it be handed off to a crew? Knowing who to contact at any time is essential.

4. 4

   Can you provide references?

   Ask for 3-5 recent references and actually call them. Ask about quality, timeliness, communication, and whether they'd hire the contractor again.

5. 5

   What's your timeline for my project?

   Get a realistic start date and expected completion date. Ask about potential delays and how they're handled.

6. 6

   What does the warranty cover?

   Understand what's warranted and for how long. Get warranty details in writing, including what void the warranty.

7. 7

   How do you handle payments?

   Be cautious of contractors who demand full payment upfront. A reasonable deposit with payments tied to milestones is standard.

8. 8

   Who obtains permits?

   For larger projects, permits are required. Clarify who handles permit applications and the associated costs.

9. 9

   What's your cleanup policy?

   Will workers clean up daily? Is debris removal included? A professional contractor maintains a clean job site.

10. 10

    What happens if there's a problem?

    Understand the process for addressing issues that arise during or after construction. Get this in writing before signing.